Gift Guide 2019: Gifts I Would Buy Myself

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just two weeks away, but here we are.  And as the chance for guaranteed Christmas arrivals with standard shipping slips away, it feels like time to post my gift guide.  It’s probably not as good as Kyle’s, but we won’t tell him, I don’t need his head to get any bigger.  We live in a house with narrow doorways.

This year, my gift list is simple.  If I saw it, and I loved it enough to put it in my cart, it made the list.  If I hunted for a discount code in the hope of finding it on sale, it made the list.  If I was forced to hide my debit card from myself in order to keep my holiday self-gifting to an appropriate level, it made the list.

So here we go.

For a Spring Trip to Europe // This cashmere travel wrap from C by Bloomingdale’s comes in a rainbow of colors, every one of which is beautiful.  It will keep you warm on the plane, on the train, or in an automobile.  Because glamour and cashmere are hypothermia’s sworn enemies.

For the Days When You Don’t Feel Like Enough // Kintsugi is the “Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.”  Because even brokenness can be beautiful.  Kintsugi pieces, like this lovely bowl, can be found on Etsy.

For Chilly Nights in Montana // These cozy pajamas from BP. are delightfully warm, and come in a variety of colors and prints.  Adorable, and appropriate for wear around the in-laws on Christmas morning, it’s a win-win.

If those aren’t your speed, these J.Crew pajamas with a gold-star print are half-off today only.  (Along with the other cozy things at J.Crew.)

For Pretending the Gift is for My Coffee-Loving Husband // These double-walled glass coffee cups from Williams-Sonoma are chic and functional.  I’ll tell Kyle they’re for him, but, since he is the only person alive who likes to drink his coffee room temperature, the double-wall construction will mean they’re mine, all mine.

For Keeping 2020 On the Right Track // Appointed is a wonderful D.C. company that makes the simplest, most elegant planners and notebooks.  This set has a task planner, a project planner, and 10 brass page markers.  Looking to start a bullet journal?  They have a set for that, too.  (Also, serious question, is there supposed to be a comma in that last sentence?  Google isn’t giving me a straight answer.)

For Channeling Your Inner Midge Maisel // These Erica Bow Mules are beautiful, impractical, and suitable only for wearing to a New Year’s Eve party in my own home.  But, for one night, I can dress like a pampered 1950s housewife with impeccable taste.   And then slip immediately into fuzzy slippers and a vodka martini after everyone has gone home.

For Remembering to Fight the Patriarchy // This adorable little charm from Melinda Maria is the perfect stocking stuffer for the feminist on your list.  Or snap up the jigsaw puzzle from Uncommon Goods.

For the Wrinkle on My Forehead that the Bar Exam Turned Into Three // NuFace’s products uses microcurrent technology to tone and tighten fine lines and saggy skin.  This small device is The Fix.  It’s older, bigger cousin, the Mini, is the one I’m after.

For My First Christmas as an Auntie // This Fujifilm Instax Mobile Printer is coming home with me for Christmas.  Because even when everyone has a smart phone, it’s nice to have a real picture or two around.  And also because, when young Gabriel grows up, I’m going to need him to be my Instagram Nephew.  Kyle is failing miserably in his job as an Instagram Husband, and I’m going to need a replacement.

{image by Ludovic Charlet; this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}